Louis Gillett

Plant operation and maintenance: I operated the pilot plant, which processed ABC powder from fire extinguishers to create fertiliser, with one to two other engineers. My contributions included:

• Setting up the plant, turning on the power, machines and water flow.
• Monitoring the machines, pressures and flow rates throughout the day.
• Keeping detailed records.
• Uniform feedstock incorporation, adjusting valves to keep pressures and flow rates optimal, and overseeing the by-product removal and drying process.
• Moving new equipment into place, setting it up and implementing it into the process.

Identifying and resolving any issues encountered: Problems such as cavitation, bridging, and machine malfunction were common. My in-depth understanding of the process and equipment allowed me to correct these issues.

Process improvement: I continually researched improving the process, resulting in greater capacity and yield. My contributions included:

• Designing a pulley-based encapsulation system, allowing the feedstock to be pre-processed in an enclosed area, so minimal feed was lost.
• Changing the heating equipment used for drying, allowing greater throughput.

Collaboration: I collaborated with several other companies regarding equipment purchase and strategic direction. Clear communication and a deep understanding of the process was required. My contributions included:

• Communicating with the external engineering company that helped design the rig, regularly asking for advice and equipment information.
• Working with machine manufacturers on equipment selection and repair.
• Collecting and delivering product samples, to be tested at several botanical institutes.

Teaching: During my time at Phos Cycle, several new employees joined the engineering team. I taught these people how the process worked, how to set up, shut down and run the process, the health and safety requirements, how to handle the product/feedstock, how all the machines worked, and what to do in the event of machine breakdown.

• I tested new pricing software, and recorded issues encountered on an excel spreadsheet.
• I carried out competitor research and identified opportunities for the sales team to promote its products.